Call Bell Accessibility Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call bells were within reach for one of the residents reviewed, identified as Resident R1. The facility's policy, dated April 1, 2022, mandates that residents must have access to call bells at all times, ensuring they are within reach before staff leave the resident's room. Resident R1, admitted on April 10, 2025, had a history of cerebral infarction (stroke) resulting in left side weakness and was aphasic, making them non-verbal. The resident was assessed as dependent on staff for all self-care needs, including eating, toileting, bathing, dressing, bed mobility, and transfers. An interview with Resident R1's family revealed that the call bell was positioned on the resident's right side, which was paralyzed, rendering the resident unable to use it. The family member expressed concern that the resident could not call for help when the call bell was placed on their bad side.
Plan Of Correction
Resident R1's call bell has been positioned to enable the resident access to call for staff assistance. Current residents were audited to ensure they have access to their call bell and are able to use it properly. Current nursing staff have been educated to ensure that residents' call bells are in reach and that the residents' are able to properly use the call bell. NHA or designee will conduct random audits of (10) resident rooms weekly x 4 weeks and then monthly x 2 months to ensure call bells are positioned to enable residents to call for staff assistance. Results of audits will be reported in monthly QAPI Meetings for further recommendations.